PinesCast: An Ocean Pines Association Podcast

Ocean Pines Association
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Ocean Pines is a residential community nestled on Maryland's Eastern Shore in northern Worcester County, featuring more than nine miles of waterfront property on 3,000 acres of wooded areas. Amenities include a beachfront restaurant in Ocean City, and a public Yacht Club in Ocean Pines. There are also five pools, two marinas, a premier racquet sports complex, and a Robert Trent Jones Sr.-designed championship golf course. Originally established in 1968, today the community has more than 8,500 platted lots and is home to 12,000 full-time residents and 8,000 part-time residents and guests.

  1. Jul 31

    Matt Ruggiere on Elevating the Ocean Pines Golf Experience

    Matt Ruggiere joins Tony Russo to talk about Ocean Pines Golf updates, creative tournament formats, NFL Sunday leagues, and resident perks. In this episode, host Tony Russo catches up with Matt Ruggiere, Director of Golf at Ocean Pines Golf Course. Matt discusses his transition into his new operational role, how the course and its dedicated agronomy team handled the intense summer heat, and the positive response from the community to recent tournament formats. Matt highlights innovative event concepts like the British Open "Claret Jug Classic," where players spun a wheel to pair their scores with PGA Tour pros. He also previews the upcoming 6-week NFL-themed Sunday morning league. Matt breaks down upcoming schedule highlights, including the August Luau Golf Tournament, the October Member-Guest premier event, and ongoing operations at the Ocean Pines Golf Teaching Academy. Finally, Matt shares insights on course playability, clubhouse dining improvements, and special perks available to Ocean Pines residents. Key Highlights & Topics Transition & Team: Matt reflects on moving from managing the teaching academy to directing overall golf operations, crediting assistant pros John O'Connor and Frank Silis. Course Conditions: How superintendent Justin and the agronomy team kept greens fast and roughs healthy through intense summer heat, humidity, and heavy rainfall. Creative Tournament Formats: A look back at the Shamrock Scramble, Couples Championship, and the Claret Jug Classic watch party event. NFL Sunday Golf League: Announcing a new 6-week league where players adjust their golf scores based on weekly NFL statistical outcomes. Upcoming Events: August 23: Luau Golf Tournament featuring a 9-hole scramble, blind draws, and a Hawaiian buffet. October 23–24: Premier Member-Guest Tournament featuring a Friday Par-3 contest, Saturday shootout on the 18th hole, and catering by Touch Italy. Teaching Academy Updates: Ongoing drop-in Saturday clinics, junior programs, and specialized instruction from Coach Mark and Coach Cam. Resident Perks & Community: Emphasizing that all Ocean Pines residents are considered golf members, with access to preferred rates and early booking windows.

    Matt Ruggiere on Elevating the Ocean Pines Golf Experience

  2. Jul 17

    From Passion Project to Nonprofit: The Pioneer Craft Club's Next Chapter

    Episode Summary In this episode, host Tony Russo catches up with Sharon Puser, President of the Pioneer Craft Club. Celebrating its 52nd year since founding in 1974, Sharon shares a massive milestone: the club has officially become a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Sharon breaks down how running their artisan gift shop like a true year-round business led to this transition, and proudly reveals that the club has given back over $206,000 to the community over its history—including a $10,600 donation last year alone. We also dive into their highly anticipated August Craft Fair, how you can become a member or vendor, and a special bonus preview of the upcoming Ocean Pines Library Annual Book Sale. Key Takeaways Going Official: The club worked with an accountant over several months to transition into a 501(c)(3) charity, allowing them more operational freedom and clearer tax structures for donations. Community Impact: Last year's $10,600 donation went directly to local initiatives, including Ocean Pines Parks & Recreation summer camps, craft supplies, and children's events at the library. How Shop Membership Works: The artisan shop has no paid employees and relies entirely on volunteers. Local members contribute 30 to 40 hours of work per year to keep the shop open on weekends. Non-local creators can join as vendors for a nominal fee (around $60) if they cannot work shifts. Branching Out into the Night: The club recently hosted its first highly successful nighttime sea-glass crafting event, drawing 51 participants—many of whom work during the day and are looking for evening activities. Upcoming Events Highlighted 1. Pioneer Craft Club Annual August Craft Fair When: Saturday, August 1st, from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Where: Whitehorse Park & the Community Center What to expect: A vetted collection of high-quality crafts from outside vendors and club members, a legendary bake sale that typically sells out by noon, food at the gazebo, and face painting. Special Feature: Stop by the shop during the fair to buy raffle tickets for a gorgeous, large wooden train (complete with wooden tracks) donated by one of the club's master woodworkers. 2. Friends of the Library Annual Book Sale Sharon puts on her second hat as Vice President of the Friends of the Ocean Pines Library to share details for their massive book donation sale: Friday Night (July 24th): Members-only preview night. (Pro-tip: You can sign up to become a member at the door to get first dibs on the books!) Saturday (July 25th): Main public book sale full of pristine, gently-read donated books. Monday (July 27th): Clearance day where everything left is half price. Links & Resources Pioneer Craft Club Facebook Page (Link to be added) Ocean Pines Library / Friends of the Library Info (Link to be added) (Note: Keep an eye on the show notes below for photos of the beautifully detailed, hand-carved wooden train being raffled off at the craft shop!)

    From Passion Project to Nonprofit: The Pioneer Craft Club's Next Chapter

  3. Jun 5

    A Summer Weather Deep Dive with WMDT Chief Meteorologist Rich Wirdzek

    WMDT Chief Meteorologist Rich Wirdzek joins Tony Russo to break down summer weather risks, local flooding realities, and hurricane prep on Delmarva.

    A Summer Weather Deep Dive with WMDT Chief Meteorologist Rich Wirdzek

  4. May 22

    Turning Grief into Grace: The Story of Matt's Kindness Ripples On

    Jackie and Ron Kurtz turned tragedy into a nationwide movement of goodwill, honoring their son through Matt's Kindness Ripples On.

  5. May 8

    Bloomin' News: Friendships and Flowers with the Ocean Pines Garden Club

    Celebrate a half-century of blooming beauty with the Ocean Pines Garden Club! In this episode of the Pinescast, host Tony Russo welcomes Gail Phillippe and Shawn Lees to discuss the club's 50th-anniversary milestone. Learn about the club's rich history since its 1976 founding and its evolution from a social gardening group to a leader in local conservation and environmental stewardship. The guests detail their most beloved traditions, including the moving Arbor Day memorial tree plantings and the popular Mother's Day teacup flower sale. Whether you are a Master Gardener or a novice struggling with "critters" and shade, this conversation highlights the club's welcoming atmosphere, affordable $15 annual dues, and commitment to fostering friendships. Tune in to hear how this dedicated group continues to preserve the natural beauty of Ocean Pines through education, community gifts, and a shared love for the earth.

    Bloomin' News: Friendships and Flowers with the Ocean Pines Garden Club

  6. Apr 24

    Make Your Vote Count: The Insider's Guide to Ocean Pines Elections

    This episode of the Pinescast serves as a vital guide for residents as Ocean Pines approaches its next election season. Host Tony Russo welcomes Election Committee members Cheryl Jacobs and Marlene Ott to discuss the importance of civic participation and the mechanics of a successful vote. The conversation highlights critical pitfalls that can lead to disenfranchisement, such as failing to update mailing addresses with administration or making marks on a ballot that invalidate the vote. The guests explain the eligibility requirements for both candidates and voters, emphasizing that "good standing" must be maintained to participate. Listeners will also learn about the timeline for the upcoming election, from the May 10th candidate application deadline to the annual meeting on August 8th. Whether you are a long-time resident or a new property owner, this episode ensures you have the transparency and tools needed to help shape the future of the Ocean Pines Board.

    Make Your Vote Count: The Insider's Guide to Ocean Pines Elections

  7. Apr 10

    Free Fun & Environmental Action: Inside the Maryland Coastal Bays Program

    7th Annual Bay Day in Ocean Pines Join host Tony Russo as he sits down with Liz Wist (Education Coordinator) and Ellen Turnbaugh (Education Program Manager) from the Maryland Coastal Bays Program. They discuss the upcoming 7th Annual Bay Day, a large-scale environmental festival dedicated to celebrating the coastal watershed and providing families with tools to protect their local environment. Event Details Date: Sunday, May 17, 2026 Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Location: Whitehorse Park, Ocean Pines (behind the White Horse Park pavilion and boat ramp. Cost: Free to the public   Key Highlights Free Boat Rides: Enjoy a 15-20 minute educational cruise on the St. Martin River provided by Bay Hopper Boat Cruises. Exploration Station: Located inside the pavilion, this area features hands-on engineering challenges and crafts focused on horseshoe crabs, terrapins, and oysters. Native Plant Giveaway: Attendees can take home free native plants tailored for various yard types (shaded, drought-tolerant, etc.) to help build natural buffers for local waterways. Live Music & Food: Catch live music by local favorites The Boogeymen and enjoy food from various vendors, including the Ocean Pines Kiwanis. Interactive Exhibitors: Over 25-30 environmental and community organizations will be on-site with engaging activities rather than just pamphlets. Why Ocean Pines? The event was birthed in 2017 to address the health of the St. Martin River, which is one of the more unhealthy waterways in the coastal bay watershed. Bay Day serves as a resource for property owners to learn how they can improve water health through living shorelines and better lawn management.   Get Involved Volunteers Needed: The program is still looking for volunteers to help with tabling and public interaction. No long-term commitment or classes are required. Sign Up: Visit mdcoastalbays.com under the "Events" section to find the volunteer form or contact the office directly.

    Free Fun & Environmental Action: Inside the Maryland Coastal Bays Program

  8. Mar 27

    Protecting Your Peace in Ocean Pines with OPPD Chief Tim Robinson

    In this episode, Tony Russo sits down with Chief Tim Robinson of the Ocean Pines Police Department. After a brief catch-up on how the department handled the recent "taxing" blizzard and the upcoming spring influx of residents, the conversation dives deep into the rising tide of sophisticated scams targeting the community. From fake court summons to "romance" decoys, Robinson breaks down the red flags everyone needs to know. Inside the Episode The Blizzard Aftermath: How Public Works, EMS, and Police managed "hundreds and hundreds" of downed trees during the recent storm. The Anatomy of a Text Scam: A detailed look at a recent fraudulent "Baltimore City District Court" text and why the QR code was a major trap. The "Grandparent" & "Romance" Scams: Heartbreaking tactics where scammers prey on family loyalty or the search for companionship using fake social media profiles. New "Funeral Home" Tactics: Tony shares a growing national trend where scammers monitor obituaries to demand "unpaid fees" from grieving families. Home Security 101: Why a porch light on in the middle of the day is a "glaring sign" to burglars and how to avoid being "easy pickings." The "Red Flag" Checklist Chief Robinson identifies several key indicators that a communication is likely a scam: High Pressure: Any demand for immediate action or threats of arrest. Unusual Payment Methods: Requests for gift cards, Bitcoin, or wire transfers. Official Errors: Mismatched signatures, vague charges, or incorrect agency names (e.g., "Department of Motor Vehicles" instead of Maryland's "Motor Vehicle Administration"). Unsolicited Contact: Being contacted out of the blue via text, app, or computer pop-up. Action Steps if You're Targeted Stop and Breathe: Take a step back to avoid making a rash, emotional decision. Verify Independently: Hang up and call the official number of the company or agency in question. Contact Your Bank: If you've shared info or money, notify your financial institution immediately to change account numbers. Report It: Notify local law enforcement so they can alert the rest of the community.

    Protecting Your Peace in Ocean Pines with OPPD Chief Tim Robinson
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About

Ocean Pines is a residential community nestled on Maryland's Eastern Shore in northern Worcester County, featuring more than nine miles of waterfront property on 3,000 acres of wooded areas. Amenities include a beachfront restaurant in Ocean City, and a public Yacht Club in Ocean Pines. There are also five pools, two marinas, a premier racquet sports complex, and a Robert Trent Jones Sr.-designed championship golf course. Originally established in 1968, today the community has more than 8,500 platted lots and is home to 12,000 full-time residents and 8,000 part-time residents and guests.

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